The television industry is saying goodbye to a quiet legend whose work helped shape decades of American entertainment. Veteran actress Alice Hirson has passed away at the age of 95, leaving behind a career that spanned more than half a century and connected classic Hollywood storytelling with modern television. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hirson died of natural causes at the Motion Picture and Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles.
Born in Brooklyn on March 10, 1929, and raised on Long Island, Hirson’s path to the screen was built on talent, discipline, and remarkable range. She became known as an actress who could move effortlessly between drama and comedy, bringing authenticity to every role—no matter how large or small. While many performers chase the spotlight, Hirson earned something far more enduring: trust. Producers and audiences alike knew she would deliver.
She appeared in 26 episodes of the iconic primetime drama Dallas, adding emotional depth to the sweeping saga. For millions of viewers, however, she remains a familiar and comforting presence as Claire Tanner, the grandmother on the beloved sitcom Full House. Her warmth made her feel like family to an entire generation.
Hirson also played a significant role in television history through her work on Ellen. From 1994 to 1998, she portrayed Lois Morgan, Ellen DeGeneres’ on-screen mother. Her performance was especially meaningful during the groundbreaking 1997 episode in which DeGeneres’ character came out as gay—a moment that marked a cultural turning point. Hirson’s portrayal brought balance, humanity, and emotional realism to a storyline that helped change television forever.
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